EUROVISION SONGS THAT MATTER MOST Update: #25-21. More songs next week.
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EUROVISION’S

100

MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS

(1956-2015)

Now that the dust has settled on another fabulous Eurovision Song Contest, it’s time to look back on the most important and influential songs that have competed over the last 60 years. All of the winning songs are included, as well as other noteworthy entries from the most watched music contest in the world.

#25

FAIRYTALE

ALEXANDER RYBAK

Norway -2009

Moscow was the host city in 2009. Russia spent a record-breaking 40 million Euros on the event. A 100-metre wall made up of countless LED screens was the backdrop. The voting system was re-tweaked and this may have helped Western European countries fare better. Then again, there was an improvement in entries from countries such as France, the UK and Iceland. After 8 years of 1^st-time winning nations, Eurovision victory returned to Norway. This was its 3^rd win. Alexander Rybak’s entry was a self-penned catchy song entitled “Fairytale”. The violin strutting performer was born in Belarus. This helped attract 12 points from 16 countries in the Grand Final; mostly from the ex-Soviet nations as well as almost all of his Scandinavian neighbours. He secured 387 points, the highest total ever. Iceland finished in 2^nd place with a score of 218.   

                                 

#24

EUPHORIA

LOREEN

Sweden -2012

Eurovision ventured to Baku in 2012. Sweden scored its 5^th win, placing it in 2^nd place for most wins with France, UK and Luxembourg. Loreen’s song was very contemporary, a far cry from the ESC entries during its 1^st decade. “Euphoria” is an electronic dance song that earned the 2^nd highest score to date at Eurovision. Its triumph proved a modern EDM song could win and marked a radical shift in style from a majority of past ESC champions. It was co-written by Thomas G:Son, who has written many ESC songs for various countries, including Georgia and Spain in 2015.

 

#23

BELIEVE

DIMA BILAN

Russia -2008

Eastern Europe continued its dominance at Eurovision. By the end of the night, Norway was the sole Western European country to finish among the Top 10 positions. Pressure to change the voting system mounted and reforms were implemented for 2009. Dima Bilan was the runner-up in 2006. Returning 2 years later, he went 1 better, giving Russia its 1^st win. Inevitably, politics and controversy would play a part, but Vladimir Putin would ensure Moscow’s staging of Eurovision would be spectacular.

 

#22

UN JOUR, UN ENFANT

FRIDA BOCCARA

France -1969

The early years of Eurovision were dominated by ballads sung mostly in French. In 1969, one of the classiest such songs was performed by Frida Boccara. Unfortunately, its victory was shared with 3 other entries. Under the present rules in the case of a tie, France would have been declared the overall winner. In any case, at the time, this made France the 1^st country to win a 4^th Eurovision. 

 

#21

SATELLITE

LENA

Germany -2010

When Munich hosted the 1983 ESC, the country was referred to as West Germany. Decades later, the nation was unified and Dusseldorf was the host city following Lena’s popular win with “Satellite”. Her song evoked comparisons to British singer Lily Allen. Nevertheless, there is no denying that her success with a modern song reflected a shift in music among voters. No doubt, Lena’s entry attracted younger voters. This was the 1^st win for any of the countries that pre-qualify for the Grand Final since the establishment of the so-called “Big Four” (now 5).